EPA biotechnology special assistant Chris Wozniak told the committee Tuesday eating rainbow papaya is the same as eating a papaya with a virus, which is a “common occurrence.”

The Maui News reported a Maui doctor told the committee there could still be risks. Dr. Lorrin Pang says just because it occurs naturally, doesn’t make it safe.

The committee is reviewing a voter-initiated measure that would place a moratorium on the cultivation of genetically modified organisms in Maui County. On Tuesday, the committee heard from officials with the EPA and state departments of agriculture and health.